Short Summary

Forty-four passengers and crew who were travelling to Zambia aboard a British Overseas Airways Corporation VC-10 jetliner which was impounded at Entebbe Airport were told on Thursday (15 June) that they were free to continue their journey.

Description

Forty-four passengers and crew who were travelling to Zambia aboard a British Overseas Airways Corporation VC-10 jetliner which was impounded at Entebbe Airport were told on Thursday (15 June) that they were free to continue their journey.

The impounded aircraft was carrying a shipment of abut two tons (907 kilograms) of arms for Zambia. It was reported that this was the cause of the aircraft being detained, though Ugandan authorities have so far given no explanation for their action.

After their release, the passengers were accommodated at the Lake Victoria Hotel near the airport. Later, they were allowed to fly on to Lusaka aboard another British aircraft.

And in Lusaka, Zambia's Vice-President Mainza Chona said Uganda would also release the aircraft as well. Mr Chona said he had received assurances about the release from Ugandan President Idi Amin.